With the weather improving and most of us turning our attention to what is outside our windows, it is the perfect time to introduce you to the lush, vivid landscapes by artist, Mark Perry. Based in East Hampton, NY, Mark has some of the most beautiful light and subject matter to work with.

After many years of painting landscapes in a very literal fashion, Mark began to experiment with a more interpretive style and that is what you will see here today. Painting with both rags and brushes, and often in very large scales, Mark embues his work with an energy and sensitivity. Mark shares some of what is behind his art and his process.

PPT: What’s your artistic process? Do you prefer to paint during a specific time of day? In a specific place? Anything you need to get you going on a project?

MP: My studio is located in my home so work is always there and I work whenever time allows. When alone that is generally where I will be. Fortunately, I seldom have an issue with resuming work but I do have my rituals before getting to work… sometimes it’s just picking up the brush. Other times it’s cleaning or scraping down the previous session. Just holding a tool can be the right motivation. The studio is subterranean with artificial light, so day or night are the same, which has its benefits. I make abstract and representational paintings. When working abstractly, I try to clear my head of clutter and think about color and feeling, but of course I’m bringing it all to the canvas. Just like any type of work… it’s not always pleasant. But, when I come out on the other side, doing what feels like doing something for the first time, every time, those are the exhilarating moments because I allowed myself to be vulnerable.

PPT: This may be like asking a parent which child is their favorite, but do you have a favorite color or spectrum of colors that you find yourself revisiting?

MP: The seasons are a great influence on my work and palette, like built-in structure. I try to go with it, noticing my palette is cooler in winter, getting hotter with the approach of spring with full weighted color in summer. I guess it’s natural that if the work is landscape-based the color would reflect what is happening around you. In the past, someone shared that I used a lot of colors, so I worked on having more harmony in a painting. Today I try not to over think things and just enjoy color if that is what I am feeling. It keeps my work as pure as possible. I love pink, green, blue and brown…did I mention vermilion and yellow?

PPT: What will you be painting this summer?

MP: Leading into Spring/Summer I am preparing for a solo show in July at the Quogue Library in Quogue, NY. Most of the work is done but there is always hope that I will make my best painting ever. I am also recreating some paintings that have sold that I really enjoyed making. They are seldom the same… it’s more about a feeling. They are horizontal format landscapes out of my head and influenced more by color than a scene. With that said, they are grand and some have sweeping vistas, on an intimate scale. It’s not an official group title but I like to think of them as Sofa Paintings.While I adore Mark’s abstract landscapes, he is often sought after for his bespoke home portraits. Perfect for an anniversary, housewarming, closing or moving…this is the type of gift that will give lasting joy. You can always visit Mark’s website to see more of his work, but if you are lucky enough to be in the Hamptons this summer, here are two places you can find him.

Pop Up at East Hampton’s Ashawagh Hall, June 22-24

Gallery at the Quogue Library, “The Nature Of” New Work by Mark Perry, July 17- Aug 6 (Opening reception, July 22)

I’m just wrapping up a long weekend in the Hamptons. It’s been a few years since I’ve been there and though much stays the same, there were a few new discoveries.

For starters, we stayed in Sag Harbor at the recently renovated and refurbished Baron’s Cove. Overlooking the harbor, this jewel of a hotel/restaurant is a short walk to Main Street and boasts a storied history. Rooms have chic furnishings and there is a pool, which is such a plus, especially if you are traveling with children. They have beach passes and chairs/umbrellas/towels for you to borrow, which made it so easy to spend the morning at the beach. The bar and restaurant were hopping and there is live entertainment each day, as well as a small fitness center and complimentary bikes to ride.

I highly recommend it for your next stay in the Hamptons!

For delicious Mexican food in a relaxed environment, just stop into the Blue Parrot, which is in the alley behind Ralph Lauren. Recommended by a friend who knows how much I love tex-mex, this was a home run!

The Topping Rose House is at the top of everyone’s list, so I was thrilled to finally enjoy dinner there. Jean George recently took over the restaurant and his farm-to-table formula is clearing working. The place was PACKED!The Hamptons are really a place for everyone…whether you want to keep it casual and get to bed early or go for the glamour and stay out all night. I’m definitely more the former than the latter, but I was happy to see that the Hamptons are still one of my very favorite places to be. And, I always love to share my favorites with you!

Luckily, touring the Coastal Living Show House in Bridgehampton is the perfect way to get the feel for living the quintessential “hamptons” lifestyle. The home, designed by Fred Throo Architects, built by Touch of Grey builders, with interiors by renowned interior designer, Meg Braff, is open and available for tours Thursday – Sunday through Septemeber 4, 2016.

The show house is filled with seaside style, bold colors, design tips and more.And, if you fall in love with it…it could be yours. It’s currently for sale!!!